Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian announces fall concert series

The Strobilus Arts series at Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church will kick off its fall season at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, with a performance by Cello Fourum, making its Chapel Hill debut.

Showcasing music for four cellos, the eclectic program will include classical themes, Argentinian tangos and arrangements of American popular songs.

Now in its third season, Strobilus Arts is a ministry of the church, offering a free concert series that has already begun to attract attention in the Triangle area.

“The reputation of the series seems to be preceding it,” said Nathan Kotecki, coordinator. “We are now being sought out by area musicians who want to perform at Chapel in the Pines. They appreciate the quality of the performance space, the appreciative audiences we attract and our attention to detail in the production of events, and they are telling their colleagues about Strobilus.”

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Kotecki said the series attracts a diverse audience that is usually an even split of one-third church members, one-third returning concertgoers and one third first-time visitors.

The October schedule includes a concert and a Fall Fest.

Accomplished local pianist Deborah Coclanis will present a recital of three works spanning three centuries. She will perform works by Bach, Schumann and North Carolina composer Kenneth Frazelle at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Fall Fest, a bluegrass social dance wrapped in a family barbecue festival, is set from 3 to 8 p.m.. Saturday, Oct. 24. Local favorite Jason Beverly will return with an all-star bluegrass band to accompany open and called dances in the narthex, while out on the lawn there will be barbecue, baked goods and games.

The Women's Voices Chorus will return to Strobilus at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, with a program titled “Jumping, Soaring, Spinning.” Conducted by musical director Allan Friedman, this 70-member chorus handles with perfection everything from Renaissance classical pieces to modern jazz and spiritual songs.

The combined handbell choirs from Chapel in the Pines and Church of Reconciliation will start the Christmas season with the second annual Holiday Handbell Concert at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. Sacred and secular favorites played on three or more octaves of bells will be accompanied by a sing-along to familiar carols.

Kotecki said that the congregation at Chapel in the Pines is an “amazing collection of people who appreciate and nurture each other and the building is not one of those spaces that sits empty all week and then comes to life on Sunday morning. There always seems to be something enriching going on and Strobilus is only one example of that.”

Located on the south side of Chapel Hill in Chatham County, Chapel in the Pines at 314 Great Ridge Parkway has a hardwood interior and expansive views of the surrounding pine forests.

Big yard sale

Damascus Church, 522 Damascus Church Road, is hosting a multi-family yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 15, with proceeds to benefit the Inter-Faith Council.

A variety of items will be sold, including furniture, artwork, toys, clothes, books and musical instruments. A few unique one-of-a-kind items will be available.

A lemonade stand will be open for the convenience of shoppers.

All are welcome to come browse the collection and to buy.

Episcopal business

Now that the mix of elation, pride and excitement tinged with sadness that erupted in June when Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry of the Diocese of North Carolina was elected presiding bishop of the national church, diocesan leaders are getting on with business.

Suffragen Bishop Anne Hodges-Copple has been appointed to serve as bishop pro tem. She will serve until the election and consecration of a new diocesan bishop.

Hodges-Copple had been rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Hillandale Road in Durham for seven years when she was elected bishop suffragen in 2013.

Bishop Curry, the first African-American to be elected presiding bishop, will assume his new role Nov. 1, when his consecration is set to take place in the Washington National Cathedral.

Bishop Hodges-Copple will become the ecclesiastical authority or “chief executive and pastoral officer” on that date and will continue in this position through the search for a new diocesan bishop, a process that typically takes 18 to 24 months.

“This is an extension of my call as Bishop Suffragan as outlined in the canons,” said Bishop Hodges-Copple. “I'm honored and excited to take on these responsibilities during this time of transition.”